By Steve Kim
As you ask WBA lightweight champion Jorge Linares - who faces Anthony Crolla again this Saturday from the Manchester Arena in England- - who he'd like to face next if he comes out victorious and he gives a very clear reply.
He wants to collide with two champions who are also highly regarded in the sport. - WBO super featherweight world champion Vasyl Lomachenko or WBC lightweight world champion Mikey Garcia.
"Mikey Garcia or (Vasyl) Lomachenko," he said through Golden Boy Promotions head matchmaker Robert Diaz, who added with a laugh - "I don't think you need any interpretation for that one."
Lomachenko will defend his title against for WBA champ Jason Sosa next month, and Garcia is going to return in May or June against an opponent to be determined.
But to set up a showdown against the two fighters he'd like to land, Linares will need to defeat Crolla for the second time.
Back on September 24th, in the same venue where they'll meet in several days, Linares lifted the WBA lightweight crown from Crolla via unanimous decision. The fight had plenty of close moments, with Linares walking away with some tight scores from the official judges - 115-114, 115-113, and 117-111.
So what does Linares (41-3, 27 KO's) expect in the second go-around?
"I don't expect a similar fight, I really don't," he stated. "I'm not going to change much, I'm a technical fighter who in recent fights has been sitting down on punches and producing knockouts. But I have no reason to change . What he brings, what he changes, what he adjusts, I don't know. But I don't think it's going to be as close as last time."
Linares-Crolla II will be broadcast in America by Showtime and by Sky Sports in the UK.
Steve Kim is the news editor for krikya360.com.